Buffalo hunting has a history, as it is one of the best sources of meat and skin used by ancient people. Although, with advancements, buffalo hunting has become relatively easy, it still brings thrilling and dangerous experiences.
Buffalo is popular in Africa, Plains Indians, and the American West. Moreover, hunters have reported massive herds, sometimes counting thousands of buffaloes. However, they vanish as quickly as they come.
However, the population has significantly reduced over the past three decades. Since buffalo is a semi-domesticated animal, thus people are encouraged to have them on their farms to boost the population.
Still, buffalo hunting remains a popular adventure. We will discuss buffalo hunting in full detail in this article, so let us shoot fires at buffalo!
All about the Buffalo Hunting
Since buffalo hunting has traditional values, many people love going after them but fail to hunt one. Therefore, having the right firearm and using different techniques can help you succeed on your next hunting expedition.
Here are all the key things to remember and prepare before you leave for your buffalo hunt.
Physical Characteristics
First, it is essential to know the buffalo’s biology. It will help us know whether an animal on your radar is a buffalo.
● Diet: Buffaloes love eating grass, forbes, and sedges.
● Life and Death: The average age of a buffalo in the wild is 25 years, while the wolf is the biggest predator.
● Breeding and reproduction: Buffalos usually breed in June and July while dropping their calves in spring after 9 months.
● Habitat: They enjoy open grasslands but also live on mountain peaks.
● Telltale Signs: Scratched surfaces, well-used rubs, and rubbed trees lower barks. Their trails are as wide as bike paths.
● Edibility: Cows and young bulls.
● Hunting opportunities: It depends on your luck; many would spend a lifetime to get one.
● Hunting methods: Decoy covers and spot-and-stalk endeavors are the most used methods in modern times.
● Locating a herd: Search for wet, sloppy droppings, and use your nose as buffaloes stink a place.
● Bringing buffalo down: A good shot place is essential since buffaloes are tall. A hard-hitting caliber (300 Win Mag pushing 180-grain bullet) is a good firearm.
● Packing out a buffalo: One person cannot budget a buffalo; lighten up by skinning the carcass facing the sky. Then remove the entrails, and ensure not leave anything behind. It will require around 8-10 trips.
Hunting Methods
Buffalo hunting requires skill, patience, and knowledge about the animals’ behavior to make a successful hunt. Furthermore, hunting methods have evolved over time, however the basics remain the same. As we will discuss this technique, spot-and-stalk is the most widely used method to hunt buffaloes.
Tracking
Tracking is one of the most vital parts of hunting a buffalo. Although it is not a difficult task to track a herd, you need the knowledge to get down to them.
The first thing is positioning; always position yourself in prime glassing areas. Since buffalo leave immense tracks behind wherever they go, ensure it is fresh.
The trick is to spot a recent glassing sign. Hence, the best way to identify a new mark is to consider checking the wetness and sloppy droppings on recent rainfall or snowfall.
However, one of the best tricks to track buffalo is to use your nose to smell their odor. Buffaloes have a way of stinking up a place, which can linger for days. Likewise, you cannot miss the odor of a recently passed herd.
Positioning
Positioning is another vital aspect of hunting down buffaloes. Once you have tracked down a herd, the next best thing is to position yourself where you can glass the maximum area. Now wait patiently for animal movement.
Since buffalo can become incredibly wary out in the wild, thus keep your movement minimum. You can also use camouflage to disguise the animal.
Positioning also becomes essential, as buffaloes have a strong sense of smell. Therefore, a tip is to put yourself in a place against the wind.
Equipment
The right equipment is as necessary as the right position and tracking. Here are some essential gadgets you must carry before hitting the road.
● Spotting scope will help you locate a herd of buffalo.
● Ammunition
● Rifle of a hard-hitting caliber (175-grain round)
● Meatpacking material
● Camouflage
Trophy Hunting Buffalo
Numerous safaris across Africa cover acres of space that run trophy hunting buffalo. Hunters can win a trophy by hunting down buffalo in the allotted time and space. It gets exciting as it is a challenging task to achieve.
Likewise, there are several trophy sessions in the States as well.
Buffalo Trophy Fees
The rate for buffalo hunting trophies varies from safari to safari and time. Here are the average rates.
● Buffalo (Hard Boss) – $12,500
● Management Cape Buffalo (Hard Boss) – $9500
● Management Cape Buffalo (Soft Boss) – $7500
● Buffalo Cow (Mature) – $3500
Countries in Africa where Buffalo can be hunted
Africa is home to various animal kingdoms, with buffalos remaining a key part of the ecosystem. Hunters from around the world visit Africa to take a shot at hunting down animals. It is a paradise for hunters.
However, with strict government rules, hunters need permits and licenses before hunting. Likewise, there are designated areas where you can hunt. So, it is better to learn about hunting conditions before booking your flight to Africa.
The following countries allow buffalo hunting in Africa.
● South Africa
● Namibia
● Zimbabwe
Let us explain each one in detail.
South Africa
South Africa is the most treasured place for deer due to its affordability and fantastic infrastructure. There are numerous private hunting places, and you can go out in the wild to hunt different species, including buffalo.
In addition, you can plan a family hunting session as well as there are facilities that can take care of basic requirements throughout a hunting expedition.
Namibia
Namibia is home to exceptional hunting safaris in wilderness areas. Since Namibia is a coastal area, thus keeps the area cool, damp, and rain-free, making it an ideal destination for buffalo hunters.
Moreover, the country is home to over 1.3 million inhabitants, thus making it rich in wildlife resources. With the government taking measures to improve hunters’ experiences, Namibia is amongst the best places to hunt buffalo.
Zimbabwe
Since Zimbabwe’s areas are untamed, thus offering a perfect opportunity to hunt for buffalo. It provides a true sense of wilderness. Therefore, Zimbabwe is the best place to experience a challenging hunting session.
Additionally, there are more than 100,000 land mammals, including buffalo, to hunt.
Areas in South Africa
The following areas in South Africa are best suited for buffalo hunting.
Bushveld
Located about an hour from the capital towards the northwestern side, Bushveld is the best place to hunt buffalo in South Africa. Considering the temperature, summer is the best time to visit Bushveld.
Free State
With many fertile soils, the Free State is a perfect place to hunt buffalos. It is located at a distance of one and a half hours from Johannesburg. The best time to Free State is between October and the end of March.
Eastern Cape
One of the most affluent wildlife areas in South Africa. You can visit this place any time of the year except June and July.
Kalahari
It is a semi-arid region with plenty of options to hunt buffalo. Places like Gemsbok and Springbok are popular spots for hunting. Since summers are sweltering, autumn, winter, and spring are the best times to visit Kalahari.
Lowveld
The Lowveld is one of the best places for hunting the big five. It is relatively close to Johannesburg and is best visited in the winter, as the summers are quite hot.
Near Extinction and Recovery
Natural disasters like forest fires, falling, and drowning claimed 3%-9% of the buffalo population in America. Likewise, in 1795, 7,360 buffaloes drowned in a single day in Canada alone. Likewise, many travelers reported staggering numbers of buffalo drowning.
Additionally, human hunting is another major blow to the buffalo population. Biologists believe the near extinction of buffalo in the late 1800s brought a collapse in the grizzly bear population.
However, a lot of tribes are working in collaboration with the government and NGOs to return buffaloes to reservations. Likewise, the government has banned buffalo hunting in numerous states. Elsewhere, in Africa efforts are put together to increase buffalo population by banning buffalo hunting.
Cultural Importance
Buffalo has a significant importance culturally in America and Africa. Moreover, it became the national mammal of the United States in 2016. Since it represents unity, resilience and Native America, thus it remains a symbol of representation for tribes across the States.
Moreover, tribal people have a spiritual connection with buffalo.
Likewise, buffalo is an integral part of indigenous peoples’ religious practices. Since then, buffalos have served them food, shelter, and weapons for ages. Thus, making it a symbol of cultural pride and passion.
Buffalo Hunting Gallery
Buffalo hunting not only gives adventure and thrill, but also serves as the best scene to capture with your phone. So, never forget to take pictures once you have successfully hunted down a buffalo.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is “Field Dressing?”
Field dressing is the processing of removing animals’ entrails once it is hunted down. Likewise, to remove unwanted internal organs of an animal like buffalo or deer is the field dressing.
Where do the hunts take place?
Hunting depends on the type of animal you are planning to hunt. For instance, if you are going for a buffalo, countries like South Africa and Namibia are the best places to go.
What is the best gun to use?
Considering the tough outer skin of a buffalo, a hard-hitting caliber gun like the 300 Win Mag pushing 180-grain is the ideal gun to use.
Do I need a hunting license?
Only a few states including Utah, Wyoming, Montana, Alaska and Arizona allow free-range bison hunting. Getting a permit is mandatory and an almost impossible task.